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December 2024
Happy Holidays District 1!
I wanted to take a moment and express my appreciation for having had the opportunity to serve you since June of 2023 as your appointed County Commissioner.
I was elected to the position in November and sworn in to the full four-year term on December 9. I look forward to working with you in the upcoming years to provide an engaged, safe, healthy, well-governed, and vibrant community.
It was a very busy fall for the Kitsap County Commissioners. Following two years of public discussion and staff work, we voted on and adopted the 2024 – 2044 Comprehensive Plan, as well as an updated critical areas ordinance and the county’s first tree canopy ordinance. The updated plan will guide population and economic growth, as well as housing diversity and environmental protection in the unincorporated parts of the county for the next 20 years. This work doesn’t end with the adoption of the 20-year plan, so reach out if you are interested in staying or becoming engaged.
In other County Commissioner news, we also approved the county’s 2025 budget (https://www.kitsap.gov/das/Pages/bgt.aspx) and announced the hiring of the new Director of the Department of Community Development, Rafe Wysham. Rafe comes to the county with an extensive leadership background having served for more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy, most recently as the Executive Officer of Naval Base Kitsap.
Once again, I look forward to continuing to serve you and work with you. Happy New Year!
Christine Rolfes, County Commissioner District #1
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Kitsap County Celebrates Opening of Pacific Building Shelter
Kitsap County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 6, 2024, to celebrate the completion of the Pacific Building, a 75-bed shelter on Mile Hill Drive designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Pacific Building offers more than just a safe place to sleep. Residents will be able to bring their pets and will have access to a range of supportive services, including skills-building programs, mental health resources, and substance abuse treatment.
The event was attended by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, other local elected officials, and newly elected U.S. Rep. Emily Randall.
The facility is part of Kitsap County’s broader efforts to address homelessness by providing both immediate shelter and pathways to long-term stability.
Get more information and watch the ceremony here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n8DJjRmC4Y)
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Protecting our most vulnerable people
The Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters operate between November 1 and March 31. When the county activates Severe Weather Shelters (SWS), the website is changed from “SWS CLOSED” to “SWS OPEN” and that message is sent out to the housing and homelessness provider community.
Shelters are activated when certain conditions are reported, as listed below.
- It is expected to be 32 degrees or lower for four or more hours for one or more successive days;
- Snow accumulation is expected to exceed one inch for more than two days;
- There are two or more successive days of one inch or more of rain; or
- Shelters may activate when high-wind warnings are issued.
Severe Weather Shelters are located at the following locations.
- Kingston, Village Green Community, 26159 Dulay Road NE
- Silverdale, Silverdale Community Church, 9982 Silverdale Way NW
- Port Orchard, Port Orchard Methodist Church, 725 Kitsap St
- Bremerton, Salvation Army, 832 6th St (operating as an independent SWS, open daily thru April 2025)
Opening a shelter is also dependent on the shelter being fully staffed by volunteers for the night. Those needing transportation to the closest shelter can call 360-373-3000 to arrange for a ride before 7 p.m.
For information, including how to sign up for SWS notifications or to volunteer at a SWS, visit the County's SWS webpage.
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Kitsap County Litter Removal Recognition
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners honored two teams for their exceptional efforts in maintaining clean roadways and promoting environmental stewardship. The Washington State Department of Ecology’s Kitsap Litter Corps and Kitsap County’s Clean Kitsap team were recognized for their work to keep the county roadways clean.
The Kitsap Litter Corps collected over 31,000 pounds of litter, cleared 16 illegal dumpsites, and restored 106 miles of state roads. The team operates annually from March to November. They received praise for their effective collaboration with local governments and transportation agencies.
The Clean Kitsap team, led by Caitlin Newman and supported by community volunteers, removed over 258,000 pounds of litter and waste from around 2,500 miles of road shoulder. Their success is thanks to strong community engagement, efficient cleanup operations, and cross-departmental collaboration. They were praised for their quick response to cleanup requests.
While the Ecology Litter Corps will pause until 2025, Kitsap County’s cleanup efforts will continue through the winter through volunteer efforts. Residents are encouraged to participate in local initiatives like the Adopt a Spot program.
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Be a voice for your community!
District 1 residents needed to serve on county advisory groups
If you live in District 1, from Hansville to north Hwy 303 in Silverdale, consider applying to serve on a Kitsap County advisory group! Share your experience and insights to help support our communities; create plans and strategies to accommodate growth and development; and implement programs that ensure and improve quality of life.
Advisory group members are appointed by County Commissioners and play an essential role in local government, serving as conduits between residents, businesses, communities, county staff and commissioners.
Learn more about county advisory groups and find position descriptions for current vacancies at kcowa.us/advisorygroups.
Advisory groups with vacancies for North Kitsap residents include:
- Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council
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Board of Equalization (hears appeals on property valuations and determinations)
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Council for Human Rights
- Noxious Weed Control Board - Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap representatives needed
- Planning Commission
- Solid Waste Advisory Committee - North Kitsap and Agriculture representatives needed
- Suquamish Community Advisory Council
Questions? Contact Volunteer Services in the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at rpirtle@kitsap.gov or call 360-337-4650.
Kitsap Transit: The #391 Returns!
All three Kitsap County Commissioners serve on the Board of Kitsap Transit. To provide better service between these Kingston and Bainbridge and including Suquamish new transit services were added in North Kitsap.
Beginning December 8 the Route 391 Kingston/Bainbridge connects the ferry terminals in Kingston and Bainbridge, plus timepoints at the Bayside Church Park & Ride, George's Corner Park & Ride, Suquamish Park & Ride, and the Clearwater Park & Ride at Highway 305 and Suquamish Way. The route will operate weekdays from 4:29 a.m. to 8:50 p.m.
Visit the Kitsap Transit press release for details. Find information on all Kitsap Transit service including the fast ferries, Access service and carpool information at kitsaptransit.com.
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